MONTREAL (CP) -- Caroline Brunet isn't feeling any pressure at being a favourite to win kayaking gold at the Sydney Olympics.

 "I prefer my situation today to the one I was in a few years ago when I wasn't sure about qualifying for the finals of big events," Brunet, a three-time world champion in the individual K-1 event, said Tuesday.

 Brunet, 31, leaves for Sydney next Monday even though the Olympics begin only on Sept. 15.

 "It's important for me to get there early," the native of Lac-Beauport, Que., told a news conference.

 "I have a hard time adapting to the time change. This way, I'll have two months to train in local conditions."

 Brunet, who missed a gold medal in the 500-metre event at the Atlanta Games by two-tenths of a second, will participate in singles and doubles action.

 Her doubles partner will be Karen Furneaux of Waverley, N.S.

 "This will be only our second season together," Brunet noted. "We're not a very experienced duo but we have lots of potential."

 Brunet also told reporters that a Montreal-based cable company has become the latest firm to sponsor her.

 "The Canadian system for helping amateur athletes doesn't allow us to reach our goals. That's why we absolutely need private sponsorships.

 "My annual budget, if you add up all the expenses, is in the six figures."